Dawn, and the rising sun is poking its beams between the spires of Arnwald, casting rayed shadows over the thick forest below. From the Ahl Serin , the morning song rises like smoke on the breeze, ancient syllables sung in complex harmonies to greet the new day. Tiero stands with the others, singing his part as always, lost in the music. Until Prytanis leaves. He stops singing, watches his brother go, knowing where he is going. When Prytanis has gone, Tiero resumes singing, but his heart isn't in it any more. He's worried. Inric doesn't hear the song, because he has finally managed to drop into an awkward doze, slumped against the wall. But he wakes when Prytanis comes in. "Tell me of thy magic," he demands, without ceremony. "Thy rituals and prayers."